Logitech H650e and H820e Enterprise Headsets Review

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Design and Use

I used the headsets in several conversations, on multiple voice chat services and on various networks. I paid attention to the way the headsets sounded and the way our voices sounded to our contacts, and I also noted comfort and convenience.

Logitech H650e

Real-World Testing & Design

The Logitech H650e folds very flat when you want to store it. The headset has small, on-ear speakers with plenty of padding, making for a very comfortable fit. They can’t provide the sort of in-a-quiet-room effect that is created by circumaural headsets (headsets that cover your ears), but they (combined with their built-in noise-cancelling properties) provided clear sound, even in everyday noisy environments like coffee shops.

The boom rotates so you can put it to the left or right of your mouth, and it’s surprisingly flexible. Some headsets have a tight grip that can become uncomfortable with prolonged use, but I didn’t encounter that with the 650es. Between the cushions on the speakers and the cushion on the band, the headset has a firm, but soft grip that works well for people who must wear headsets for hours on end. And thanks to the extending band, the headset fits noggins even larger than mine.

That flat cord is meant to prevent tangling, and for the most part, it works.

Logitech opted for a flat cord with the 650e to prevent tangling. If you’re familiar with the inside of a PC, imagine a typical SATA cable – the cord is similar in size and shape (though obviously much longer), but it’s a little more flexible than an average SATA cable. The cord features a sizeable and decidedly unsexy control pad, but it’s handy: you have volume controls and mute and call toggles right at your fingertips. The volume buttons have raised symbols (and the volume increase button itself is slightly raised) to help you handle the controls without looking.

Installing the headset is effortless; I plugged it into the computer, Windows took a second to get acclimated, and it was ready to go. I like the zippered pouch, which keeps the cord out of the way when I drop it into my laptop bag.

Logitech H820e

Real-World Testing & Design

As for the H820e, it has the same sleek look as the H650e, but of course, it offers the freedom of wireless connectivity. The base station is sturdy and has a modern aesthetic. The dock has lights to indicate connectivity and that the headset is charging.

Logitech H820e

I found the H820e to be a comfortable headset for long video chats. (My longest was a little more than two hours.) Sound quality is excellent, and I was able to discretely take sips from a drink without alerting my colleagues. I had no trouble finding the Call and Volume buttons built into the earphones – they’re different shapes, so I was able to figure out which button was which without looking. The back of the boom has a call light that turns on when you are on a Microsoft Lync call, which could be helpful for people operating out of cubicles or have their backs turned to their office doors. Anyone who looks your way can quickly see if you’re on a call.

The Mute button is on the boom itself, which is handy. It has a different texture than the rest of the boom so you can find it quickly with your fingers. Distance also wasn’t an issue – I was able to walk around the office without affecting sound quality. Logitech says the headset can maintain a connection up to more than 300 feet from the dock.